Volvo hasn’t emphasized performance figures a lot as they stuck to a tiny 2.0L 4-cylinder engine for a car that starts from $46,900. The Volvo XC90 is an SUV that pushes comfort and safety to the top of its priority and this car surely delivers that. The 2019 Volvo XC90 has just 2 recalls and a total of just 17 complaints on NHTSA making the Volvo stand up high along with the Lexus GX460 with similar NHTSA results and leaving the cars like the Audi Q7 and the Acura MDX lower on the list. The fact that Volvo offers the XC90 in various trims at different price points makes it a value for money SUV as it offers more than what you pay for in terms of the features and safety aids it provides.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Doors – The car was reported to unlock the driver’s door by itself when parked and also open the tailgate at times onto the traffic behind the car.
- Infotainment screen – The screen was found to freeze at times and wouldn’t resume until the car is turned off and back on making it a hassle when driving.
- Warning lights – The check engine light was reported to turn on even after mechanics confirmed the engine was in a good condition and the electronic safety systems were noticed to engage even while there weren’t other cars around.
- Wiring – Many owners complained that the wiring was damaged by rodents as they were made using soy-based materials. Even the replacement materials were the same leaving the owners in doubt about how long they would last.
- Reverse camera – The contents in the rear appear late after shifting the gear into reverse.
Mechanical Problems
- Fueling – It was reported that the car was pushing out gas mileage that was way too low compared to the EPA and the mechanics determined that the fuel parts were defective and a replacement fixed the issue.
- Fuel filler pipe - The mechanics found in multiple cars that the fuel filler pipe had a leak and required a replacement.
- Powertrain – The start-stop feature was reported to cause a possible crash as owners reported that the car would move forward without depressing the accelerator after using the feature at a traffic light.
- Brakes - The brakes were said to make squealing noise and it was also found that there was premature wear on the brakes as well as the rotors.
Safety Problems
- Forward collision avoidance – The brakes engaged on their own getting the car to a complete stop from 35MPH. There was only a motorcycle approaching from the oncoming lane with no possible chances of a collision when the incident occurred.
Exterior Problems
- Windshield – The windshield and sunroof was found to crack for no reason.
- Tires – The air in the tires seems to get unbalanced within a short distance of driving.
Recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
21st April 2021 |
21V273000 |
Front seat movement may trap rear passenger |
The rear passenger could get trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the movement of the seats, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
The dealers will update the rear seat control display software. |
|
2 |
13th November 2018 |
18V800000 |
No GPS location in the event of a crash |
This makes it difficult to provide GPS location to the emergency personnel which increases the risk of injury. |
The dealers will be correcting the software. |
Should you buy the 2018 Volvo XC90?
It is clear that the Volvo comes with the smallest of engines in its segment but that doesn’t mean this SUV underperforms. The XC90 has enough punch from the engine but where it really shines is in its practicality with a spacious cabin throughout and ample storage space. The XC90 also has very few issues making it reliable and it’s easy to say the Volvo looks and feels very premium both on the inside and outside compared to its competitors. The XC90 has had only software-related recalls, meaning the car is built well and the issues can be easily resolved via a software update. This is a car we would highly recommend when it comes to buying a luxury SUV.
